Bridge structure

ABSTRACT

The subject invention is an improved bridge structure comprising the use of both arch structural support systems along with suspension systems, combined together to support a multiple bridge support structure, with such multiple support systems being focused and combined through a unitary member in a center portion of the bridge, with the unitary member being an under support member in one embodiment, with such under support member supporting a portion of the bridge deck. More particularly, the subject invention is focused on utilizing multiple structural support systems for a bridge, with such multiple support systems being centered on a longitudinally extending secondary under support member, which is supported and held partially by the supplementary bridge support system, such secondary support member structurally having multiple and varied support systems and being adapted to provide an under support system as a supplementary support mechanism for the bridge structure. In summary, the subject invention comprises a secondary support system for a bridge to provide additional support to the primary support system for the bridge, such secondary support system having its forces focused on an undersupport system that is positioned beneath the bridge deck as an undersupport member that helps hold the bridge deck, along with the support provided by the primary support system.

KNOWN PRIOR ART

[0001] None.

DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] The subject invention relates to bridge structures and isconceived as an improved structural arrangement that combines multipletypes of support systems to increase the bridge strength and stabilityof the bridge.

[0003] The purpose of increasing a bridge strength is manifest whenconsideration is given to the fact that most highway bridges are nowsubjected to heavier loads, all with increasing frequency. This loadfactor is caused in large party by heavy truck traffic, along with theincreased passenger vehicle traffic. These load factors yieldconsiderable stress on a bridge's strength and stability. Railroadbridges are generally subjected to the same type of structural stress.

[0004] Moreover, in certain geographic areas, highways and railroadbridges are subjected to severe winds that appear to be increasing inintensity by reason of developing unusual weather patterns. These andother factors, including earth tremors, create a need for bridges ofgreater strength and stability, and as a result, the invention herein isconceived as a means to provide additional strengthening factor forbridges and the objects sets forth below for the subject invention aredirected accordingly.

[0005] In discussing the variant aspects of the subject invention, noteis made that the inventive concepts herein apply to suspension bridgestructural concepts, arch support structures and other structuralsystems, such as truss bridges, beam bridges or cantilever bridges, andthe fact that the subject invention is described as being directed toonly a few of such types of bridge structures shall not limit the scopeof the subject invention, as embraced by the following describedobjects.

OBJECTS

[0006] It is an object of the subject invention to provide an improvedbridge structure;

[0007] Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide animproved, multi-support bridge support structure and system;

[0008] Another object of the subject invention is to provide an improvedbridge structure having more than one type of basic support system;

[0009] Still another object of the subject invention is to provide animproved structural system for improving the strength of a bridge;

[0010] A further object of the subject invention is to provide animproved supplemental system for increasing the base support strength ofa bridge structure;

[0011] Yet another object of the subject invention is to provide animproved structural system for bridge support purposes;

[0012] It is also a purpose of this invention to provide multiplesystems for supporting a single bridge structure, which multiple systemsare structurally cooperative and not physically antagonistic;

[0013] Another purpose of this invention is to improve existing bridgestructure.

[0014] Other objects will become apparent from a reading of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the subject invention shownin the overall perspective of a total bridge structure;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the subject under-support memberused in conjunction with the subject invention;

[0017]FIG. 3 is an end elevational view, in cross-section, of thesubject under-support member, as embracing the under surface of a bridgedeck;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the subject under-supportmember shown as embracing the under surface of a bridge deck.

DESCRIPTION OF GENERAL EMBODIMENT

[0019] The subject invention is an improved bridge structure comprisingthe use of both arch structural support systems along with suspensionsystems, combined together to support a multiple bridge supportstructure, with such multiple support systems being focused and combinedthrough a unitary member in a center portion of the bridge, with theunitary member being an under support member in one embodiment, withsuch under support member supporting a portion of the bridge deck. Moreparticularly, the subject invention is focused on utilizing multiplestructural support systems for a bridge, with such multiple supportsystems being centered on a longitudinally extending secondary undersupport member, which is supported and held partially by thesupplementary bridge support system, such secondary support memberstructurally having multiple and varied support systems and beingadapted to provide an under support system as a supplementary supportmechanism for the bridge structure. In summary, the subject inventioncomprises a secondary support system for a bridge to provide additionalsupport to the primary support system for the bridge, such secondarysupport system having its forces focused on an undersupport system thatis positioned beneath the bridge deck as an undersupport member thathelps hold the bridge deck, along with the support provided by theprimary support system.

[0020] In further summary, the subject invention is focused on the useand deployment of an under-support member that is supportedindependently and separate from the support member for the bridge, whichunder-support member is basically a cradle like member that provides anuplifting force for the bridge deck. This supporting force can bedirected and applied to any portion of the bridge deck and may includeany means of system of support as supplementary to the main supportsystem for the bridge.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF SUBJECT INVENTION

[0021] The following description of a preferred embodiment is set forthas one specific embodiment. Such description of a preferred embodimentshall not be considered as limiting the scope of the subject inventionto only the type of bridge described with its multiple support systems.

[0022] Attention is directed at first to FIG. 1 of the drawings in whicha preferred embodiment of the subject invention is shown. Specificallyshown in FIG. 1 is a bridge member 10 incorporating features of thesubject invention, such bridge member having an upper deck 20 over whichdeck vehicular traffic traverses. As can be seen, bridge deck 20 isgenerally a horizontal, longitudinally extending structure having anupper surface 30 and a lower surface 40. The upper surface of the bridgedeck may be other than horizontal in some embodiments, however, and maybe curved upwardly in a convex manner to increase the vertical spatialdistance under the bridge for accommodation of such things as ship mastspassing underneath. It is the bridge deck that is the ultimatestructural object of the bridge support system which is the subject ofthe invention, as in any conceived bridge support system.

[0023] The bridge 10 and the bridge deck 20, as shown in the drawings,is structured to extend from the respective upper portions 50A and 50Bof opposing banks 60A and 60B respectively framing the opposing sides ofa gorge, valley, ravine or river 70 as schematically shown in FIG. 1.The bridge deck 20 is, as stated above, the ultimate structural focus ofany bridge support system or the multiple support system described inthe application, as the bridge deck is adapted to bear the weight andstress in any bridge system. As seen, in this respect, the bridge deck20 has opposing ends 80A and 80B affixed directly or indirectly to theadjoining upper portions 50A and 50B of opposing upper banks 60A and60B. Moreover, as seen in FIG. 1, the bridge deck 20 may be comprised oftwo opposing horizontally projecting sections 85A and 85B adjoining atthe respective mating ends 85A and 85B at what is optimally the medialportion 90 of the bridge deck. The bridge deck 20 may be formedotherwise as a unitary member or comprising more than two sectionsinterconnected by some means.

[0024] Again, as stated, the deck 20 is the main focus of any bridgesupport system, and in this invention, the support system that isgenerally provided herein is a dual or multiple support system for thebridge deck 20. Thus, at all times, the bridge deck 20 in the subjectinvention will have a primary support structural mechanism and asecondary support system, or alternatively stated, there will bemultiple support systems for the bridge 20, and either support systemmay be considered primary or secondary. Moreover, in the subject system,more than two support systems can be used to support the bridgestructure. Furthermore, while the support systems described in thepreferred embodiment are directed to suspension and arch support systemsother support systems may be used to implement the concept of thesubject invention. The intent of this invention is to provide suchsecondary support system or systems with their respective attendantsupport forces, so that they interact cooperatively, so that the staticforces of each attendant support system does not interfere with or tendto weaken or cancel out the support forces provided by the other supportsystems, but rather complement one another so that the overall supportsystem forces holding the bridge deck are augmented.

[0025] The foregoing bridge structure as described in the preferredembodiment is basically a conventionally-structured arch type abutmentbridge utilizing opposing support arches 100A and 100B as the primarysupport elements for the bridge 10 and bridge deck 20. This arch supportstructure as described is considered to be conventionally-structured tobe self-supporting by its intrinsic structure, and therefore, inordinary circumstances, needs no additional support structure to upholdthe bridge deck 20. Additionally, more than two arch support members maybe used on a given bridge structure utilizing concepts of thisinvention. The subject invention is set forth as a supplemental supportsystem for the bridge 10 as described with its attendant base archsupport system. Moreover, it is noted that the concepts of thisinvention are equally applicable to other than arch type bridgestructures.

[0026] The following described structural aspects, which comprise themain substance of the subject invention, are adapted to aid in theunderlying support provided by opposing abutment type arch members 100Aand 100B, as described above. As seen, the subject invention and thestructural concepts set forth herein are adapted to be supplementarysupport for such base abutment arch members 100A and 100B to add to thesupport strength for the bridge 10 as more fully described below.Moreover, it is to be stressed that more than two abutting arch membersmay be utilized in conjunction with the subject bridge structure.

[0027] More specifically as seen in the drawings and particularly FIG.1, the opposing outer ends 80A and 80B of the bridge deck 20 areintegrally affixed directly or indirectly to the opposing upper portions50A and 50B of the river banks 60A and 60B, as seen. It is not criticalthat the opposite ends 80A and 80B of the bridge deck 20 be integrallypositioned into a portion of the opposing banks 60A and 60B respectivelyas represented in FIG. 1.

[0028] In the usual structural arrangement for an arch support typebridge, such as bridge 10, the bridge deck 20, as stated, is directly orindirectly supported by the arch members 100A and 100B. In the bridge 10represented in FIG. 1, the bridge deck 20 is positioned and affixed suchthat the approximate medial portions of the undersurface 40 of bridgedeck 20 are integrally positioned and affixed over the upper surfaceportions 170A and 170B respectively of the respective first and secondsupport arch members 100A and 100B as seen. Other support and attachmentmeans between the respective arch members and bridge deck may beutilized however.

[0029] Additionally, as observed in FIG. 1 in the structure of bridge10, vertical support stanchion members 180A and 180B are connected in asupporting position between the upper surface 170A of first support archmember 100A and the lower surface 40 of deck 20. In similar manner,vertical support stanchion members 190A and 190B are supportivelyinterconnected between the upper surface portion of support arch 100Band the right portion of lower surface 40 of deck 20. As can be readilyobserved from the side elevational view of FIG. 1, support arch members100A and 100B, with such vertical stanchion, as interconnected to thebridge deck 20 are represented as being symmetrically arranged in orderto achieve maximal and optimal support features for the bridge 10.However, in some circumstances, this desired symmetry cannot berealistically implemented in every circumstance. This latter facet doesnot detract from the implementation and realization of the structuralpracticality of the subject invention. Moreover, any number of verticalstanchions may be used between the arch and bridge deck withoutdetracting from the conceptual scope of the invention herein.

[0030] As thusly described, the bridge 10 is structured similarly to aconventional arch type bridge, the structural arrangements of which arewell known. The additional support system or systems, which aredescribed hereafter in this application are considered unique,particularly in the manner to which the supplementary forces are directto the under surfaces of the bridge deck. These latter innovativeconcepts are the focus of this patent application and are described indetail as follows.

[0031] As an overall perspective, it is to be stressed that in theprimary and preferred embodiment of the invention herein, the subjectsupport system is focused through a support member that providesupwardly lifting forces on the bridge deck, and preferably such forcesare applied directly or indirectly up through the lower surface of thebridge deck. It is not necessary, however, that the supplementary forcesbe applied to the under-surface of the bridge deck, but rather may beapplied upwardly on any portion of the bridge deck. However, in theprimary embodiment, an under-support member 200 is used as thestructural mechanism to focus the supplementary force on the bridge deckas more fully described below.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the under-supportmember 200 is shown with the upper surface 210 thereof as beingrelatively flat and uniplanar, or more simply as being uniformly flat.In another embodiment of the under-support member, as shown in FIG. 4,the upper surface 210 of the under-support member is shown as having aslightly curved upper surface, which curvature is seen as being convexas from an upper position looking downwardly on such upper surface. Inthis latter respect, as more fully discussed below, the under-supportmember 200 is adapted to be positioned such that the upper surface 210of the under-support member 200 embraces conformingly the bottom surfaceportions 230A and 230B of an arbitrary length of the adjoining upperportions of opposing arch members 100A and 100B, as more particularlyseen in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Thus if the adjoining bottom surfaceportions 230A and 230B of the adjoining arch members 100A and 100B arecurved, the corresponding curved upper surface 210 of the under-supportmember 200 will more conformingly seat fully and securely against thelower surfaces 230A and 230B of the adjoining arch members 100A and 100Bfor focusing and directing the secondary support provided by theunder-support member to the lower surface of the bridge deck. In thisregard, the under-support member is in turn statically supported in alifting manner by the secondary support forces more fully discussedbelow.

[0033] It is to be stressed that upper surface 210 of under-supportmember 200 that embraces upwardly in a lifting manner the under surface40 of the bridge 10 or bridge deck 20 can be correspondingly shaped orconfigured to conform to whatever type of bridge structure is utilized.Consequently, it is to be understood that the subject support system,with the attendant under-support member, is not limited to arch typebridges. This under-support system is further described in detail inlater potions of this application below.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, thesecondary support system set forth herein, focuses its static supportforces through the under-support member so that such under-supportmember 200, as discussed above, provides secondary lifting forces tosupplement the support of the opposing arch members 100A and 100B. Shownin the drawings is one example of such a secondary support system whichis specifically a suspension system, as shown in FIG. 1. It isunderstood that other support systems may be used as an additionalsupport system for the bridge and the inventive concepts herein are notto be considered limited to a suspension system as such a secondarysupport system.

[0035] More specifically, the suspension system shown in FIG. 1, isstructured in its basic arrangement as being substantially conventional.To this end shown in FIG. 1 is a suspension structural system 300 thatis adapted to incorporate support forces to uphold under-support member200. Included in this suspension support system 300 and attendantstructures are opposing suspension support towers 310A and 310B whichare respectively embedded into the uppermost portions 50A and 50B ofopposing river banks 60A and 60B as seen. These support towers 310A and310B have lower base portions 320A and 320B that are fixed in position,extending vertically upwardly, as seen. The upper ends 330A and 330B ofeach support tower 310A and 310B are preferably, but not essentially, atan equal height to each other relative to a base point such as thebridge deck 20 or some other base reference point, however, this latterfeature is not critical.

[0036] As can be seen from the drawings, the respective suspensionsupport towers 310A and 310B have at least one set of primary bridgesupport cables, such as cables 340A and 340B and cables 350A and 350Bfor suspension support. Additional support cables may be utilized. Eachof these support guy cables are generally anchored at a distance awayfrom the bridge 10 and towers 310A and 310B. The suspension supporttowers 310A and 310B generally each have one or more direct towersupport cables such as cables 360A and 360B extending downwardly fromupper portions of each suspension support tower, with attachmentindirectly or directly to some portion of the ground for supporting thetowers. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the primary supportcables 340A and 340B and 350A and 350B extend downwardly to the bridge10 from suspension support tower 310A and 310B which each suchsuspension cable extending downwardly towards the center portion ofbridge 10. As shown in the drawings, it must be indicated that thenumber of suspension support cables, as well as the number of suspensionsupport towers, and the precise structure thereof may vary from thatdescribed first above. Moreover, stress is to be made that the subjectsuspension system as described is relatively simplistic and isrelatively standard or conventional as described to this point. Theinventive concept of the invention herein is centered on the use of asecondary support system of bridge 10 provided by the above describedsuspension support system, as preferably directed upon and otherwisefocused with the attendant static forces of the secondary support systemon the under-support member 200 as briefly described above and morefully described below. To this end, the suspension support cables 340Aand 340B from suspension support tower 310A are affixed to a portion ofthe under-support member 200 so to provide upwardly lifting support forsuch under-support member, and in similar fashion suspension supportcables 350A and 350B emanating from the suspension support tower 310Bare also connected to a portion of the under-support member 200; asseen. It is optimal for this latter purpose that the respectivesuspension cables 340A and 340B and 350A and 350B be connected to aportion of the under-support member 200 with each set of cables affixedin equi-posed disposition on the under-support member 200 relative toone another. This connection is for basic symmetry and balance purposes,as seen in FIG. 1 so that the under-support member 200 is supported bythe respective cable members and is held in a level position relative toa base horizontal reference, or any other point of reference.

[0037] The general function of the under-support member 200, as setforth above, is to help provide additional support for the opposingabutting arch members 100A and 100B in the support function of bridge10, with the static upwardly pulling forces provided by the suspensioncable members 340A and 340B and 350A and 350B. For this purpose, theunder-support member 200 is adapted to function as a lifting memberindependently supported irrespective of whether the arch support members100A and 100B directly and physically abut each other or are directlysupportive of the bridge deck 20, or even with each such arch directlycontacting each other.

[0038] As can be determined, both the vertical and horizontal staticforce components of each such support arch member 100A and 100B providenecessary upward support for bridge deck 20, as well as the necessaryhorizontal forces to statically project the respective adjoininghorizontal portions of the bridge deck 20 towards one another. In somebridge structural arrangements, more than two upright arch members maybe used as basic support structures, however, and the concepts of theinvention herein will be equally applicable in such lattercircumstances.

[0039] Specific attention is directed to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4demonstrating the supplementary under-support structure which is focusedon the under-support member 200 that is basically formed as alongitudinally extending member having a longitudinally extending basemember 205 that extends over the longitudinal extent of theunder-support member with opposing ends 400A and 400B on theunder-support member. More particularly, the under-support member 200 isa longitudinally extending member with an upper surface 210 and a lowersurface 225 and may be of such a length that equals the entire length ofthe bridge deck 20 or may be shorter relative to the length of thebridge deck, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment of the subject invention, theunder-support member 200 has laterally disposed upwardly extendingsupport walls 430A and 430B that extend partially or completely alongthe entire length of the under-support member 200. As stated, in theembodiment shown in the drawings, the lateral support walls 430A and430B are vertically disposed and integrally affixed to opposing lateralsides 440A and 440B of the under-support member, along the entire lengthof the under-support member 200, as seen. In the embodiment shown in thedrawings, the lateral, vertically disposed support walls 430A and 430Bare joined to the base member 205 of the under-support member 200 suchthat the lateral walls are disposed perpendicular to the upper surface210 of the base member of the under-support member 200 as seen. Thislatter perpendicular relationship is not critical to the subjectinvention and is not essential that the lateral side walls 430A and 430Bdescribed be disposed along the precise sides of the under-supportmember. It is also not mandatory to implementation of the subjectinvention that there be lateral walls affixed or formed on the basemember 205 of the under-support member 200, so long as there is somemeans to affix auxiliary supporting members such as suspension supportcables described above to the base member.

[0041] As can be seen from FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the under-support member200, with its longitudinally extending base member 205 and laterallydisposed vertical walls 430A and 430B form what may be viewed as alongitudinally extending channel shaped member being open at the top aswell as open or exposed at its opposing ends. What is thus essentiallyformed is a channel shaped cradle like member formed as the basicstructure for the under-support member 200 in the main embodiment of theinvention. However, as described other structural arrangements may beused for the under-support member and it may be limited to a flatuniplanar member or any other structural arrangements that can focusuplifting forces upwardly to the bridge deck.

[0042] As shown in the drawings, the suspension cable members 340A and340B, and 350A and 350B may be attached to the under-support member 200by being affixed to portions of vertical side walls 430A and 430B asseen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, or may be affixed to side or other portions ofthe base member 205 of the under-support member 200 if the under-supportmember has no vertical sidewalls. Other attachment arrangements may beused in this regard.

[0043] In some embodiments of the subject invention, the under-supportmember may be formed as an enclosed sleeve member having a hollowlongitudinally extending chamber into which chamber the mating ends ofsupport arches 100A and 100B are placed along and adjoining portions ofthe bridge deck. Other enclosed or open structural arrangements may beused for the bridge under-support member.

[0044] As stated above, the under-support member 200 as supported by thedescribed suspension cables, is positioned under the lower surfaces 230Aand 230B of the abutting arch members 100A and 100B, in a conformingmanner so that the upper surface of the under-support memberconformingly embraces in a flush manner such under surface areas of theabutting arch members. This upward pull by the suspension cables 340Aand 340B and 350A and 350B is such that the upper surface 210 of theunder-support member 200 is drawn upwardly against the immediatelyadjoining under surfaces 230A and 230B of the abutting arch members 100Aand 100B, as seen in the drawings. In this regard, the length of theunder-support member 200 is shown as being relatively short and theupper surface areas of the opposing arch members may be relatively flat,as shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 2 and 3, however, on the otherhand, as stated, if the under-support member 200 is relatively long, theupper surface 205 is preferably curved, slightly upwardly, toaccommodate the curvatures of the surfaces of the abutting arch members.This latter feature functions to both maximize the impact of the upwardstatic forces from the suspension members described as well as evenlydistributing the force load over and to the lower surfaces of theabutting arch members. This latter facet will maximize the supportivefeature of the under-support member 200 as seen in the drawings and asdescribed. Moreover, in order to maximize the support, the under-supportmember 200 is best placed under the medial part of bridge deck 20,however, this aspect is not critical to the implementation of thesubject invention.

[0045] One of the advantages of the subject invention is that theunder-support member, as supported by the suspension system or othersupport system, can be used to retrofit an otherwise weakened bridgestructure where the main support system has been weakened by erosion ordeterioration of the components of the main support system. Thisretrofitting can obviously be accomplished by positioning theunder-support system under the existing bridge deck with some form ofauxiliary support such as the suspension system described above.Moreover, in some embodiments, the under-support member may be braceddirectly up against the lower surface of the bridge deck. This aspect isnot shown in the drawings.

1. A supplemental support system for a bridge having a deck forvehicular traffic with such deck having an upper surface and a lowersurface, and wherein such bridge has primary support members forsupporting the bridge deck, said supplemental support system comprising:(A) a longitudinally extending under-support member, said under-supportmember having an upper surface and a lower surface and wherein the uppersurface of the under-support member is adapted to embrace a portion ofthe lower surface of the bridge deck; (B) a suspension support systemfor supplementary support of said bridge, said suspension support systemhaving one or more support cables attached to portions of saidunder-support member for purposes of holding said under-support memberup against the under surface of the bridge deck for support purposes tosupplement the support of the primary support system.
 2. A supportsystem for a bridge having a bridge deck with an under surfacecomprising: (A) a base under support member having an upper surface anda lower surface (B) support system means for said bridge and bridgedeck, said support means having connecting support means, said supportmeans being connected through said connecting and support means to saidunder-support member to support said under-support member up against aportion of the under surface of the bridge deck.
 3. A multiple forcesupport system for a bridge having a deck for vehicular traffic, withsuch deck having an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein suchbridge has primary support members for supporting the bridge deck,comprising: (A) a longitudinally extending under-support member, saidunder-support member having an upper surface and a lower surface, andwherein said under-support member is adapted to be support up against aportion of the lower surface of the bridge deck; (B) a bridge suspensionsupport system having support means in the form of suspension cablesconnected to said under-support member to support said under-supportmember up against the lower surface of the bridge deck.